Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1151—Work the Cities; Talk Faith; Do Not Be Discouraged

(Written July 31, 1910, from Sanitarium, California, to “Brother and Sister Kress” [the Drs. Kress]).

I am glad to hear from you again. Do not become discouraged. You are not young converts. In the night seasons I am saying to you, Do not fail nor be discouraged. If our cities are to be worked, every one of us who knows the truth must put on the gospel armor, and through sanctification of the truth we shall receive from the Lord the help that we must have. 15MR 76.1

Talk faith, and make your faith perfect by your works. Even though you feel that some of your brethren do not manifest that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, you have opportunities to obtain a rich experience. Move steadily forward, putting forth all the powers of sanctified intellect. Keep ever in view the great Pattern, Christ Jesus. Work out your own salvation, revealing in your life the work of the grace of God. No man can do your work for you. Pray in faith. You and your wife have had a valuable experience. The history of the Redeemer is full of meaning to us. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” [Isaiah 53:3-5]. 15MR 76.2

My brother and sister, let us seek for an increase of faith. There should be more glorifying of God. The Lord would have your faith shine forth with the light that Christ imparts. Do not, I entreat of you, be unbelieving. Talk faith; talk hope and courage. As you talk faith, your faith and confidence in the Lord will be increased. His Word is full of encouragement. 15MR 77.1

Your daughter also needs to gain an experience with you in service for the Master. You three should be a precious band, through Jesus Christ gaining glorious victories. 15MR 77.2

I am thankful that yesterday I have the courage to walk out in faith and speak to our people assembled at the sanitarium on the hillside. This is the first time for a number of weeks that I have felt able to attempt to speak. The sanitarium chapel is being enlarged, and the meeting was held outside under the trees. I spoke from the third chapter of Revelation. Here is a picture of the spiritual life of many, and precious promises held out to the overcomer. I was able to make all hear, and felt a rich blessing myself in putting forth the effort. 15MR 77.3

I am instructed to say to all our people, It is best to bear the yoke of Christ. Let each be so glad for an opportunity to work with Christ in bearing His message to the cities, that there will be no inclination to murmur. Christ calls for the heart to be surrendered to Him, that He may mold and fashion it after the divine similitude. When the spirit is worked by the Holy Spirit, the efforts to reach souls will be effectual. 15MR 77.4

Christ alone can accomplish the work, but you are to act your part with Him. When the truth of God convicts the conscience and the words spoken bear the stamp of the Divine, hearts will be touched and souls will be converted to the truth. 15MR 77.5

There is too much of unconverted self mingled in the work. In working the cities, angels of God are to cooperate with the minister of the Word. The mind, the will, the words, the spirit of the teacher must be under the control of the great Teacher. 15MR 78.1

The truths of the Word are sacred. Teach the seeker after truth the words of the Infinite One: “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” As the mind is awakened to yield to the teachings of Christ, Satan will seek in every possible way to bring him under the influence of men who have departed from the faith. Let every soul be wide-awake. The watchmen are not only to give warning to others, but they are to keep ever before them the truths of the Word. Not a word of discouragement is ever to fall from their lips. 15MR 78.2

Let the members of the families in their homes unite to put away all unprofitable talking, and to be instant in prayer. Let them go to their neighbors and talk to them of the truth. This is the instruction to be given in all our churches, in all our health institutions. 15MR 78.3

Fathers and mothers, in full assurance of faith plead with your sons and daughters. Let them not hear one impatient word from your lips. If necessary, make to your children a heartfelt confession for having allowed them to follow in the path of vanity and to displease the Lord, who withheld not His Son from a lost world, that all might receive pardon and forgiveness of sin. 15MR 78.4

Every obstacle to the redemption of God's people is to be removed by the opening of His Word, and the presentation of the plain, “Thus saith the Lord.” “Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill [of difficulty] shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” 15MR 79.1

The true light is now to shine forth, for “darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people.” [See Isaiah 60:2]. The truth of the living God is to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings: We have a Saviour who has given His life, that all who will repent and believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 15MR 79.2

When those who have been doing imperfect service for the Master understand and repent of their unconverted influence, then the Lord will pardon, and will unite with them in their efforts. Fathers and mothers who have in various ways indulged your children to their hurt, God desires you to redeem the time. Take heed while it is called today. Parents, is God enthroned in your conscience? Is truth occupying the citadel of your soul? 15MR 79.3

Special work needs to be done in Melrose and Boston. Brother and Sister Starr connected with you can do an important work in that great city. You will need to guard carefully the point of undue expense, lest the work be retarded. The Lord will open ways before you if you will move forward in faith and hope. Let not one word of discouragement come from your lips.—Letter 66, 1910. 15MR 79.4

Ellen G. White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

August 1, 1985.

Entire Letter.